I invest excessive hours fixating on screens. My phone is the first item I grab upon waking up. In addition to the eight hours daily spent on my computer, my phone is perpetually close at hand, luring me to scroll through Instagram rather than focusing on work. In the evening, while I’m watching TV, my phone distracts me once more. Before I sleep, I catch myself scrolling through TikTok instead of diving into a book.

I’m not proud of my screen time statistics or my continuous craving for engagement. I’ve imposed time restrictions on distracting apps and devised downtime routines, but skirting around these restrictions is as simple as hitting the snooze button.

Ironically, in my efforts to decrease screen time, I encountered Instagram advertisements for The Brick, which claims to provide firmer controls to reduce phone usage. After trying The Brick for several months, I’m delighted to report that it halved my screen time and reminded me how to experience boredom once more.

How does The Brick function?

Apps for managing screen time can restrict social media access, yet they’re simple to circumvent. Utilizing my iPhone’s app limitations, I quickly adopted the habit of sneaking in extra time. The Brick stands out as an app with a physical aspect, making avoidance more challenging.

The Brick locks specific apps when you touch your phone to it. To unlock, a second tap of your phone against it is required. If you need access without tapping, the app provides five emergency un-Bricks. Once these are used, you must factory reset your device to restore them, so use them judiciously.

Though initially available only on iOS, The Brick is now also accessible on Android. Multiple devices can share a single Brick. My wife and I use one together, keeping it conveniently located on our fridge.

It’s the sole method that genuinely diminished my screen time.

The tangible aspect of The Brick means you can’t simply press a button to access restricted apps. You must physically get up and touch your phone to the Brick.

This minor physical detail has a significant impact. While relaxing on the couch and feeling the urge to scroll through Instagram during a show, knowing I have to get up to un-Brick my phone deters me. I appreciate using it before bedtime, ensuring that social media isn’t the first thing I encounter when I wake up and compelling me to rise from bed if I wish to check it.

The Brick has restored my focus. With my phone Bricked, I’m not distracted by it when I should be paying attention to TV. It’s also beneficial when I’m attempting to concentrate on other tasks. With distracting apps blocked, I’ve rediscovered boredom, spurring me to read or complete errands.

It halved my screen time.

Using The Brick halved my screen time. Previously, I averaged six hours of phone screen use each day. I didn’t pursue a specific goal for reduction, just aimed for less time. I was surprised when The Brick cut it down to three hours daily, a 50% drop.

My entire household utilizes The Brick to manage screen time. Working from home necessitates discipline without in-person coworkers. Even my wife, who teaches each day, uses The Brick before heading to school.

You can set different modes.

Bricking your phone isn’t an all-or-nothing affair. The default mode restricts all apps, turning it into a basic phone that only permits calls. However, you can establish modes, choosing which apps to allow or block.

I’ve set up modes akin to a basic phone but permitting video calls and texts. Other modes eliminate my biggest distractions: Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest, and Chrome. I also have a lighter version for work that allows Chrome for research purposes.

Be cautious about which apps you choose to block.

Make sure to review which apps will be restricted. Blocking all apps can hinder access to essential ones. Once, I Bricked my phone before heading to the gym, inadvertently blocking my gym app that contained my membership card. Another instance saw the Amazon app blocked, which I needed for savings at Whole Foods.

Fortunately, Brick’s emergency un-Bricking feature is helpful, though I have already used two of the five.

I wish it had app limits.

Apple’s screen time feature allows you to set app limits, which Brick does not. Instead, you block all apps to manage screen time. While I adjusted to Brick’s approach, I occasionally miss having app limits that remind me to pause social media in the evenings.

It’s a bit of an investment.

Transitioning from a free iPhone feature to paying $59 for The Brick is challenging, but it is effective. It is the sole system that successfully reduced my screen time. Plus, it involves a one-time fee.

Other screen time applications, like Opal, offer free versions, but complete features cost $99.99 annually.

Is The Brick worth the expense?

The Brick is worth every penny. I have been endorsing it for months and recommending it to everyone I know. If the built-in app limits aren’t sufficient, The Brick is my preferred solution.

The physical restriction provides a barrier, making it effective in preventing screen time circumvention and keeping distractions at bay.